When New Iberia (La.) Westgate offensive lineman Josh Boutte gave the LSU Tigers his commitment in February, Boutte he viewed it as a chance of a lifetime. Nothing has changed.

"I was a huge fan since I was in the seventh grade," Boutte said. "It was a dream, and I never thought I'd get a scholarship to go there."

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive line standout has been watching Chris Faulk closely and is ready to join him next year in Baton Rouge.

"It feels great," Boutte said. "It's big relief, and I can't wait to play for LSU. Just a couple of months. That's all I have left."

The early commitment allowed him to concentrate on other things, including his senior season.

"It was a big relief," Boutte said. "I committed very early, but just the fact of me getting it out of the way early, I was able to focus on my season and in the weight room. I did pretty well this year, and it was pretty stress free."

Since his pledge, other programs have continued to keep in touch. While he is not saying whom he will visit, he has plans in the works.

"There's a few schools trying to weasel their way in, but I'm pretty solid on LSU right now," Boutte said. "I would like to visit other colleges just to make sure my decision is 100 percent what I want. As of right now, LSU is all the way 100 percent."

Boutte would not name names, but he said they were "big schools." He also said he has talked to the LSU coaches about his decision to take visits.

"They understand, and Coach Miles is very confident I am going there," Boutte said. "I kind of know that myself. I just want to make sure."